Suspended sentence, probation for woman who starved son at cult leader's behest

A woman who starved her 1-year-old son to death at the behest of a religious cult leader has been given a suspended sentence and probation.

Ria Ramkissoon pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in the death of her son, Javon Thompson. The plea agreement contained an extraordinary provision: If Javon is resurrected, the plea will be withdrawn.

Cult leader Queen Antoinette told followers not to feed Javon when he did not say “Amen” during a mealtime prayer. Antoinette, her daughter and another man were convicted of second-degree murder.

Ramkissoon, who has been in jail since her 2008 arrest, was given five years probation on Wednesday and must complete the program at a residential treatment facility.

Assistant State's Attorney Julie Drake called the sentence compassionate but fair. She says the state sees Ramkissoon as a victim.

This has nothing to do with liberals. I'm an unabashed liberal and I'm very upset by this plea agreement, just as I am sickened by the crime. The mother is clearly mentally challenged, so I wouldn't put much stock in her inane interpretations of what she did.